Indian Prime Minister Modi to visit Israel for diplomatic talks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel for a two-day trip starting Wednesday. This marks Modi’s first official visit to the country since 2017. India and Israel have been strengthening their ties over the past decade, with diplomatic relations established in 1992.

Modi will arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv at 12:45pm local time (10:45 GMT) and is expected to be welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks shortly after arrival. Modi will also address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem on February 26.

During his visit, Modi and Netanyahu aim to discuss upgrading security and economic agreements between the two countries. India has signed a new Bilateral Investment Treaty with Israel last year, replacing an existing treaty from 1996. The two countries are also expected to update their bilateral security agreements.

According to officials from both sides, the focus of the visit is on bolstering strategic economic and defence agreements between India and Israel. JP Singh, India’s ambassador to Israel, stated that “we don’t compete, we rather complement each other” in terms of innovation, science, and technology. Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador to India, added that their economic partnership is gaining momentum, with plans to sign a free trade agreement this year.

Netanyahu expressed his enthusiasm for Modi’s visit, stating that the two countries are “partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision.” The visit marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between India and Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera